Dream Cruises has today confirmed they will bring Explorer Dream to Australia in 2019. Explorer Dream is the ship formally known as SuperStar Virgo operated by Dream Cruises sister brand Star Cruises.

In the announcement Dream Cruises announced SuperStar Virgo will transfer to it's fleet following a US $30 million refurbishment in April 2019. The newly transformed ship will then be deployed in Tianjin and Shanghai before relocating to Australian waters from October 2019 until March 2020.

Princess Cruises has unveiled a sneak peak of it's luxurious Sky Suites to be included on it's newest ship Sky Princess. The suites will feature the largest balconies ever offered by the cruise line measuring 700 sq ft with sleeping capacity for five guests. The "Sky Suites" will have a huge private balcony with 270 degree views, including a private view of the Movie Under the Stars screen. Sky Princess is currently under construction in Italy and will enter service in October 2019.

In a remarkable feat of naval engineering, Silversea Cruises has completed its planned lengthening of "Silver Spirit". The ship was sliced in two and inserted with a prebuilt 15m segment to create more public areas and enhance it's facilities during a recent dry dock. The process including a total refurbishment of the existing ship took only 59 days.

Carnival Cruises have announced Carnival Spirit will be based in Brisbane for the first time starting in 2020. This is a first for Carnival having never had a ship homeporting in the Sunshine State capital.

The exciting announcement was made following the approval of Brisbane's new International Cruise Ship Terminal.

Carnival Cruises has upped the ante in Cuba, adding an additional 20 voyages to Cuba deploying Carnival Paradise from Tampa in 2019.

The increase in itineraries is a direct response to the "phenomenal guest response since we began sailing to the island last year" said Christine Daffy, president of Carnival Cruise Lines. She continued, "we're thrilled to add yet another 20 voyages to this facinating and sought-after destination".

Cunard Line has announced it will homeport the iconic Queen Elizabeth in Melbourne over the 2019/20 summer. Itineraries for the 101 day Australian base will include six roundtrip cruises from Melbourne, and two from Sydney. Also included will be cruises to Tasmania, South Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The 2020 Australian deployment is double that of the 54 day 2019 season from February to March.

Cunard senior vice president Simon Palethorpe said the extended stay showed the importance of the Australian market and indeed Melbourne as an emerging hub.

Carnival Cruises is increasing its capacity in Australia by a whopping 66% with the introduction of Carnival Splendor to the local market. Set to sail all year round, the 3,900 passenger ship will sail into it's new homeport of Sydney in December 2019 following a repositioning cruise from Singapore.

Following the overwhelming popularity of the Chinese based Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a sister ship "Norwegian Bliss" for the North American market, also featuring a two level electric-car race track. With a homeport of Seattle the ship will be the largest and most innovative ship to seasonally homeport on the West Coast of America.

Family Cruising is set to move to a new level with Carnival Cruises announcing their newest ship "Carnival Horizon" will feature a Dr. Seuss themed water park. Inspired by the legendary children's author, the 3934 passenger ship will set sail on a 13 day Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona on 2nd April 2018.

Have you ever wanted to race your mates in a Go Cart while holidaying at sea? Well, soon you'll be able to! Norwegian Cruise Line has announced their newest mega-ship "Norwegian Joy" will feature a two deck Ferrari branded race track.